How to Play 15 Puzzle

THE PLAYBOOK · XIAOANBA

How to play 15 Puzzle

Choose a round of 15 Puzzle and settle into its rules. Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

Try a deliberate move

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

Step by step

1. Select a tile directly beside the empty square.
2. The tile slides into the gap; diagonal moves are not allowed.
3. Use Undo to step back one move.
4. Finish the ordered board, or choose New puzzle.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

A useful example

When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Choose a deliberate next step.

Watch out for this

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions